(Note: I remembering meeting and interacting with Philip while he was an undergraduate student leader at UCR. Honestly, I was kind of intimidated by him because he was a little intense and always highly organized. I knew I had to be very prepared when interacting with him. Ha! See, it's not always students intimidated by Admissions reps -- it works both ways! I got to know Philip as a UCSF student and then, of course, as a member of our admissions committee. I always appreciated his enthusiasm, attention to detail, and focus as a committee member. We've had many conversations about admissions, life, and the future -- and I'm glad that he's continuing his training at UCSF beyond the PharmD program. P.S. I'm not intimidated by him anymore. 😃)
Hometown: Chino
Hills, CA
Previous institution attended: University of California, Riverside
Undergraduate Major:
Biology
Why did you apply to be
a member of the Admissions Committee and what have you enjoyed the most?
To be completely honest, one of the main reasons I applied
to be a member of the Admissions Committee was out of my own curiosity. My
involvement in my undergraduate pre-pharmacy organization had sparked my
interest, and I wanted to confirm if everything I had heard about the
admissions process was true. As it turns out, it was actually true, which
ultimately validated the transparency of UCSF in its admissions procedures.
Being a part of the admissions committee has also provided
me with a wonderful opportunity to give back to the pharmacy community,
fulfilling my desire to make a lasting impact on the future of the pharmacy
profession. Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed the chance to demystify the
admissions process for myself. It has not only helped me overcome any imposter
syndrome I may have had but has also significantly improved my ability to
mentor other pre-pharmacy students.
What surprised you
most about UCSF’s admissions process?
One aspect of UCSF's admissions process that surprised me
the most was the level of thoroughness in the review process. It became evident
that every applicant receives a comprehensive evaluation, and no detail on the
application goes unnoticed. This meticulous approach to reviewing applicants
was truly remarkable to witness.
On a related note, I had always held the belief that UCSF
was one of the few schools that genuinely embraced a holistic approach to
reviewing applicants. To my delight, this belief was confirmed through my
experience on the admissions committee. It was clear that UCSF places great
value on considering each applicant as a whole person, taking into account
various aspects -- beyond just academics.
The combination of the rigorous evaluation process and the
holistic approach made the admissions process at UCSF even more impressive, and
reaffirmed my confidence in the transparency and fairness of their procedures.
In your opinion, what
are the most common mistakes applicants make?
From my perspective, one of the most prevalent mistakes made
by applicants is attempting to write what they believe the reviewers
want to
hear, rather than seizing the opportunity to genuinely showcase their true
selves. As someone who paid significant attention to the personal statement and
essay sections of the application, I can emphasize the importance of
authenticity.
As a reviewer, my primary interest lies in understanding
what sets each applicant apart, their unique qualities, and their genuine
passions. I am eager to delve into their personal journey and witness a
profound sense of self-reflection. The personal statement serves as an
exceptional platform for applicants to explore themselves, and I value
individuals who can engage in deep introspection and convey their true essence.
Therefore, one of the most common errors is when applicants
deviate from their genuine selves in an attempt to cater to perceived
expectations. It is vital for applicants to embrace the opportunity to present
an
authentic portrayal of who they are as individuals. By doing so, they can
truly capture the attention of the reviewers and leave a lasting impression.
What stands out to
you on an application?
Personally, what stands out to me on an application is when
I come across candidates who have pursued entirely different careers or majors.
While there's nothing wrong with following the direct pharmacy path (which is
what I did), I find it incredibly intriguing and admirable when individuals
decide to make a switch. I'm genuinely interested in understanding their
reasons behind this transition and how it can bring diverse perspectives to
UCSF, ultimately enriching our community. It takes bravery to embark on a
different path, and I believe that such applicants contribute to making UCSF
even stronger.
What are your pet
peeve(s) when interviewing an applicant or reviewing a file? (What drives you
crazy?)
One aspect that can be slightly bothersome during interviews
or file reviews is when applicants tend to extend their responses for too long.
While I truly appreciate thoughtful and detailed answers, it can sometimes lead
to a loss of focus if the responses become excessively lengthy. Considering the
limited time we have to cover all the questions, it would be helpful for
applicants to be conscious of time constraints.
By keeping your responses concise, we can ensure a smooth
and efficient interview process. This allows us to thoroughly address all the
necessary aspects while still leaving ample time for you to ask any questions
you may have at the end. It's essential to strike a balance between expressing
yourself fully and being mindful of time, as it enhances the overall interview
experience for both the interviewer and the applicant.
What characteristics
are necessary in order to succeed in UCSF’s PharmD program?
Resilience. You will often hear this word during pharmacy
school, and it holds true. No matter how strong of a student you are, pharmacy
school will have its downsides, whether academically, socially, or otherwise.
It is a transformative journey, and you’ve got to be prepared to embrace the
ups and downs. View the challenging moments as opportunities for personal
growth and cherish the high points while they last. Remain present and avoid
getting trapped in negative thoughts and setbacks. Remember to periodically
check in with yourself. These were some of the most challenging years for me,
but I genuinely believe that they made me a stronger individual. Do not
hesitate to seek support from your academic advisors as they can be an amazing
source of guidance through both the highs and lows.
What tools or
resources would you recommend to prospective applicants?
If you're reading this right now, congratulations! You’ve
found my suggestion. Take the time to explore this blog and discover the
invaluable treasures it holds. You'll find a wealth of knowledge that will
undoubtedly benefit you on your journey.
Other things I recommend include networking with pharmacists
and pharmacy students. Most of the people in this community are willing
to help -- because that’s what pharmacy thrives on. Don’t be afraid to pick their
brains and see them as opportunities to gain some valuable perspectives.
What single piece of
advice would you give to a prospective applicant?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself and really pour your heart
into those personal statements and essays. It’s one of the few opportunities
you’ll have in the application to really show us who you are. Tell us a story
and give us something that you’re proud of.
Why do you think you
were admitted into UCSF’s PharmD program?
One of the reasons I think I was admitted into the
program was because of my essays! I really appreciated that UCSF
had additional essays, outside of just a personal statement, because it allowed
me to speak about myself as an individual. It gave me a place to speak about the
parts of me that I’m truly proud of.
Another reason may have been my strong passion for
leadership and pharmacy, which I made evident in my application. As the
president of my undergraduate pre-pharmacy organization, I really found my passion (my "why") for pharmacy. What the profession needs is more leaders. Leaders who are able to look past the norm and take
initiative for change.
What do you do for
fun?
I like to go climbing/bouldering. I found that it was a good
way to stay active, but more importantly keep my mind healthy amidst all the
stress and chaos. It’s also been a really great way for me to make friends
outside of pharmacy school!
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